Defence Minister Nikos Dendias praises Greek diaspora during Sydney cathedral visit
by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City TimesDefence Minister Nikos Dendias attended a doxology service at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney on Thursday, marking the first day of his official visit to Australia.
The service was led by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Primate and Exarch of All Oceania, and brought together senior Greek officials and members of the local Greek Orthodox community.
Dendias was accompanied by Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, Rear Admiral Panagiotis Karavas, Director of the Hellenic Navy General Staff’s Armaments Directorate, and Greece’s Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis.
Addressing Archbishop Makarios, the Defence Minister praised his leadership in uniting the Greek community across Australia.
“It is a great joy to see, under your leadership, the Greek community of Australia united, walking together with the Holy Church of Christ, which has always been the solid ground and foundation upon which the course of Hellenism has been built,” Dendias said.
He highlighted the enduring role of the Greek Orthodox Church in preserving Hellenic identity abroad, describing it as particularly moving to see the Greek flag flying outside the cathedral in Sydney.
Dendias also thanked Archbishop Makarios for his efforts in strengthening the bond between the Greek diaspora and the homeland.
“Your work serves Hellenism and the great effort you make to maintain the close bond between the Greek diaspora and the motherland,” he said.
The minister described Australia’s Greek community as one of the largest and most influential in the world, noting that, by population, it could be considered Greece’s second or third largest “city” outside the country’s borders.
He also praised the high standing of Greek Australians, recalling a recent conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a NATO gathering.
According to Dendias, Albanese spoke warmly about the contribution of the Greek community to Australian society, underscoring the respect and recognition it enjoys throughout the country.
Concluding his remarks, Dendias said it was a “great joy and tremendous honour” to be in Sydney and to visit the historic Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation as part of his Australian visit.
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